When coming to Germany I had a lot of expectations. I expected to see Berlin more as a city but I never thouhght  Berlin would be so green. They really care about the environment, they have containers where you can pretty much recycle anything. I knew they go crazy when watching a soccer match but when I saw the game on Monday I was very surprise because they go over board. (they celebrate more than Mexicans). I expected them to drink a lot but most of them know their limit but others drink to the point where they can't walk any more. When I went to their school for the first time I expected to see really strict teachers. But most of them are laid back I thinks it's because they only have a few weeks left of school. For example we were just watching The Hangover 3 for 2 class periods. Also the teachers dress really casual and they even show their tattoos but there's other that are strict no matter what. I thought their school only had 3 grades but they their school has 5th grade to 13th grade. I expected them to eat a lot of bread I was right about that but I didn't know they took breakfast seriously. They also like sit down and eat with the family back home we don't really do this because everyone is doing their own thing and we don't have the time to eat as a family. I really thought that they were going to have more technology in their school. When I walked in for the first time to Marie's classroom the only things I saw were a chalkboar, a map of Germany, and tables with chairs. They don't have a computer in each classroom for the teachers or smartboards. It think it's very odd to see just a plain room. One thing that surprised the more was to find out that they do their grades by paper it's kinda difficult to explain but I'll try. Each teacher has to put the grades into their students report card and they do this by hand so if they have 7 classes, 7 different teachers have to mark the grades. After this is done with every single student I think they record it in a computer. They also cancel school when it gets too hot which I found it to be pretty cool. Why can't we do this in Arkansas!! I knew they didnt have Wal-Marts but I expected to see markets as big as Wal-Mart but they are really small. One thing that caught my attention was that the cashiers get to sit down and you also have to pay for the plastic bags or you can bring your own and you are in charge of packing your groceries. The past 2 weeks have been the best weeks of my life. We did so many things we also visited a lot of awesome places. I also got to meet new people and I feel that our friendship is going to last. I might get to see Marie and her father during the fall since they are going to the states. This is the main reason why I don't really feel sad because I know I'm going to see them in a few months.

Hello Major Tom

I didn't know what to expect from my host-family, but I definitely didn't expect that I would miss them when I left. And likewise, I didn't expect to be homesick. I know that when I get home, it's going to feel strange getting readjusted to my normal American routine, and all of the small differences everywhere. It'll be so great to see my roommates, friends, and mother again. But I'm also going to remember playing Rummikub with my host-mother and going for walks with my host-father. I'm going to miss the freedoms provided by the public transportation here, and the cool weather as well. I'm going to miss the stands where local farmer's sell their produce. And I'm going to miss the beautiful antiquity of the streets. I'm grateful now, more than ever, that I came into this trip with almost no expectations, and allowed myself to take in the culture. This trip was a wonderful educational opportunity, and I'm grateful to have taken part in it.

Last couple days in Germany; it really is a bittersweet moment. Everything has been a great excitement and alot of firsts as well. Much stereotype expectations were met, there's plenty of wurst available in almost every corner. beer is'nt really a big deal but is drunk in just about every ocasion for any reason. The Autobahn was as restricted as any other highway sadly but there those few stretches of excitement and terror of the other drivers. Most Germans I've seen eat are constatly checking for calories and are confused and frown upon how little Americans check or care. The food is alot more reliable here with not as much food that has synthetic chemicals inside even McDonalds has higher quality of food here unlike the mediocracy they get away with in america. Going to the Baltic Sea was incredible it took a while to walk into before it really got deep and finding a live jellyfish to hold in my hand was great. My time here in Germany has been memorable and hope to come back some other day auf wedersehen!

happily ever after

Germany is an amazing place and full of surprises. I had so many expectations of how they live and stuff. I imagined a big house and I arrived to a little apartment with a tiny kitchen as well as ONE small bathroom and two bedrooms no bigger than their living room. I came into this home, went out on the streets waiting for Germans too look at me weird or well be rude but let me tell you, they smile at you or they just simply nicely look away. oh. so sweet. the food here is AMAZING & I sure didn't expect that. I'm a little picky on my food but German food is ah! soooo goooood. I was amused to see more vehicles driving insanely good (literally) then people walking or riding bikes. yeah there's a lot of those people but so many cars parked like everywhere! Also, I amazed about how if you want your drivers license for a certain amount of times before getting it. Like in America people just drive, with nothing and they just pray not to pull over. Now let's move on to school. It's very different to Springdale high. Obviously it's smaller with buildings scattered around lookin like big old houses, but the students and teacher that attend that school are also different. I sat in class expecting her classmates to pay attention, act and discuss among each other as well as the teacher but that's not what happened. Many students simply don't care what the teacher is saying so they do their thing and what not. Same with the teacher because they don't get onto them demanding for their attention like the teachers in Springdale do. Also in the classes I have attended this week, Nadine's teacher went around asking what their "marking" is and if you think you deserve higher then what he says, you tell them and they put what you say. Only if that worked in America, I'd be an A+++ student. What I had expected did not even happen.

Today is our last full day in Berlin. I am going to miss it. Yesterday Nadine's family had a cookout for her birthday, Germans sure do know how to celebrate birthdays! They did many unique stuff for example, they did a little play. There was a man pretending to he a bus driver and people would come and give him money to go on and the money he got was for Nadine. Then we wrong her a little note attached to a balloon and saw them fly away. It was a lot of fun but I was surprise to not see anyone drunk. I can't believe after today I'll be on my way home. I am going to miss Berlin, my host & her family, my new German friends and freedom. I am ready to go home now, I'm homesick. I feel so fortunate to have came on this opportunity, accomplishing my dream to travel the world. I can now mark Germany off the list. I am definitely coming back here when I get the chance. It's been a beautiful experience. I have so many memories like riding into a tree. I will forever remember this experience. Chow Berlin. 

Berlin | Final Wrap Up

     My two weeks in Germany have been quite the experience. We did so many things I feel like I've been here for months! I've gotten to experience the inner city, local hangouts. The whole shebang. It has been the most wonderful, exciting, eye opening experience of my life. I am taking away so many cherished memories and new life long friends. Germany met my expectations day 1 and has been topping it everyday since.                      

     Having gone to school, actual school, for a whole week now, I've seen a drastic change in the temperament of the students. I've decided its the teachers. Obviously (haha). Some teachers just don't have the respect of the students and therefore get completely taken advantage of while others implement strict order. Its peculiar to see the same people go from almost wild beasts to ideal students. Mind blowing! It was also very different to have the same classmates the entire time I was here. I'm not quite sure I agree with the teachers moving classrooms but it was defiantly a stark difference from school in America. I was also expecting the school itself to be bigger but I liked that it felt like more of a home atmosphere and not a learning institute. And not that I expected to be driven to school everyday but that trek biking is long. I'm always sweating when I get to school which is not what I thought would happen! School has been a "learning experience" and not something I will forget anytime soon.

    Besides school, Germans in general have busted my initial notion towards them. People in America tend to think Germans are always angry and yelling but from what I've seen, this is not true! The more I learn and see about the German people, the friendlier they appear. I've had a good handful of complete strangers wave at me or say hello. It's a very kind gesture. Germans are a very passionate people as well, especially when it comes to their 'football'. I knew soccer was a big deal but I had absolutely NO idea how radical Berliners become! It was fascinating to watch them rally together, chanting, cheering. I can't wait to experience this for myself tomorrow! In general, being in Berlin has changed my outlook on the German people and I hope to share my new found knowledge with my friends and family back in America.

      As far as any other stark surprises, I've been in the clear. My two weeks in Berlin has taught me a lot about Germany in general. I've had my rude awakenings when first arriving but nothing to radical since. The tap water and AC don't even phase me anymore and the short beds are OK now too. These two weeks have also showed me the social dos and don'ts of Berlin (Germany in general); shutting doors is not rude, EVERYONE bike EVERYWHERE and naked people are perfectly acceptable. Not exactly American standards but doable until Sunday. I have a feeling it will be weird to adjust to American norms after being in Germany for so long. No more fresh fruit I suppose.

     Germany has been a blast but America is starting to sound better and better. We've done so much during our time here it will be nice to just relax a while. That and not having the constant thought of how your getting home in the back of your mind. I still have tomorrow for german fun and I'm looking forward to that! Sunday will come very soon and it will be time to go. Seems just yesterday we were flying in, nervously gathering our belongings to greet our german counterparts, readily awaiting the two weeks ahead. Now, as I finish my final blog, I am looking back at the previous two weeks, wondering where the time has gone. I feel so privileged to have gotten to have go on this trip, have this once in a lifetime experience. I have made so many new friends, both German and American, and am looking forward to keeping in touch with them in the following years. I've become so close with my German host and her family, it will be very hard to leave, but as Dr. Seuss said, "Don't cry because it's over, Smile because it happened.". As I wrap up my last few days here in Germany, I can say but one last thing. Chow. Auf Wiedersehen. Goodbye.

Expectations (continued...)

Continuing on from my last post, the cars are all very small here in Germany.  Perhaps this is just because it is a large city compared to Arkansas, but driving is in much closer quarters and more cars squeeze in because they are all so small.  I really didn´t expect the cars to be so small, let alone so much skill required to drive in these small spaces.  I also didn´t expect for the public transportation system to be quite as good as it is.  One can literally go from one end of the city to another citz on the other side of Berlin if they know what they are doing...

I, on the other hand, have no idea what im doing.  Is it hot in here or is it just the unexpected lack of air conditioning?

On to the food.  I very much expected the traditional German food to be in Berlin.  Wiener Schnitzel, bread, and sandwiches are a major staple in the German diet.  What I didn´t expect was the foods that resulted from post-WW2 culture.  Döner, basically a gyro with a different bread and a loose slaw inside, has become a major food-to-go in Germany.  It is quite delicious.  A more evasive food for me that is a result of British occupation is the currywurst.  I will get back to you on that when I can obtain one.

I will soon be writing my last post for the trip.  I am having a great time in Germany!  More driving, walking, and looking than I expected, but still great.  Wish us luck on our last few days and trip back to the U.S.!  Tschüss!

Das Ende

   Das Ende von unsere Deutsch Austausch. Es war sehr interassant und spaß. Berlin gefällt mir. Das Essen, die Bäume, Blumen, unsere Deutsche Freunde, usw. Most things I expected: food, flora, and things that would just be the same as in America have all either proved me wrong, as in being different, or surpassed my expectations.
   The food is grand. I've not experienced anything like it. Chocolate is great, meat has more flavor, bread is more fresh; even McDonalds tastes far better here. Germany has exceeded every single expectation of food I had. And döner... greatest food ever invented. Thank the Turkish.


   I expected trees but... not this many. They're everywhere. There are also many different kinds; some of which have been here for 100+ years. You see them thoughout all parks, as you drive down the road, even when you look outside the window of your room. They fill your sight.
   I honestly didn't think much about flowers. I figured they would be like America. Few flowers here, few there. But, like the trees, they are everywhere.  So many different types of flowers, so many smells, all beautiful.
   There are a few things that didn't match up. The smell. Sewage smell everywhere, though I think that is mostly a big-city thing. Traffic, expected it to be just like America. Nope. A lot of the rules are pretty different.
   I'll miss my time in Germany, and remember forever.

More time

These two weeks have gone by so quick that I wish ´´I had more time``( haha Frau).  All though ´´I need more time``, I can't wait to be home and just relax for a while.  My host family was really great and really nice and it's going to be different without them.  All the trips and tours we went on were cool and interesting and we always had something to do while we were here.

´´I need more time Frau``

While on this trip, I wasn't expecting how expensive stuff would be.  Just to buy a normal t-shirt it was about €25, there wasn't really anything special about them.
´´IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII nnnnnnneeeeeeeeddddddd mmmoooooorrrrreee tiiiiiiiiimmmmmmmmeeeeee``
This was a great trip and I wish we could stay another week.
                                                                   

Sky's Third Berlin Post; Bits and Parts of This and That

I did have a certain expectation for the schools here in Germany. I expected the students to be a lot more mature and focused than they are in America. Unfortunately not... it's actually worse. Students talk, throw paper airplanes, and I've even seen a student walk across the top of the desks. It was a little disappointing. The curriculum is a little less in depth here too, something else I didn't expect. It seems a bit scattered and disorganized. One day in a class we're watching part of a movie, then reading an excerpt the next day, then watching a bit of a movie the next day, and none of the things we do seem correlated to the day before. Perhaps that's because they're getting so close to the end of the semester.
There are a lot of street performers here, something I never knew. Living human statues, singers and instrument players line the subway stations and streets. Some of them are really talented, too. It's not so common to see performers on the streets in America. There's so much graffiti; some of it adds to the kind of antique beauty in Berlin, but some of it isn't so nice, and it's kind of sad that it seems to be over everything. But just about everything here seems to be a piece of art; the buildings are bright colors, bedecked with multitudes of potted flowers and iridescent umbrellas, a lot of them covered in graffiti-art, performers everywhere, and so many trees and flowers growing naturally all over. Berlin is definitely it's own entity of antiquity and beauty.

Reflection

My time here was fun and worth the oodles of money (I think) and muscle work outs. We fit a lot in as well as spending time in a strange place with people we know and helpful host parents. Truthfully though, our activities seemed rushed and focused more around tours in which we are dependent on a tour guide and not going at our own speed so that we might enjoy our activities. I also expected the Germans to be more mature then they seem to be since they were made out to be on the same maturity level as our age group. I´m just so glad that I had friends on this trip to make this trip enjoyable. I just wished I had more time to have done more things that I would have wanted to do. Maybe normal fun things? I will just have to come back another time! If I had to decide to come again though, I would defiantly go on this trip again.

My experience in Germany.

I got to experience something great! Viviana Baatz and her family took me to see a fireworks display the same day we landed and there the firework people were asking who came from the farthest and Arkansas beat England! The prize? Getting to set off an amazing and huge fireworks display. Vivi and I pressed two batons at the same time that shot out sparks and quickly got to safety to watch.

Sunday, swam at a lake. I was so tired though that i just layed out with Sarah in the shade and dozed slightly but it was a nice relaxing time. The price surprised me, goodness. There was a little section to swim and then a much bigger body of water to wake boared on ropes.

Went on a bike tour around Berlin and saw many fun places! "The Ramones" treated me well and was decked out with a lovely bee squeaky toy. After the bike ride, we went out for some famed currywurst before hiking up a hill to view Berlin from a higher point and then stopped by Vivi's workplace for some delicious ice cream! I indulged in a baileys one hehe and we were surprised by delicious strawberries soaked in alcohol and poured over in a glass with champagne and water. Yum!

Went to the Reichstag building on Tuesday last week and viewed their Parliament section before climbing up to take a view from the top. Tried my best not to fall asleep while the lady rattled on but sadly i must confess. I think i did. Oops. But, I definitely enjoyed the tippy top of the ramp!

On Wednesday last week, we went to the story of Berlin after a tour through a bunker. Goodness me, I'm glad I wasn't born in that time. The bunker was actually bigger then I expected but I feel like I missed out on a lot of things that the tour guide just walked by. Which is a big part of why I don't like guided tours.

Thursday was the Sachsenhausen concentration camp where we viewed a barrack and a jail. The barracks ceiling was pealing and the insides were tight. It was not how i imagined it would be though. there was actually a lot more room. The jail had a row of damp dark rooms with diferent interiors the showed that some inmates actually had it slightly better then another.

On Saturday we went to Dresden! It was very beautiful with old buildings. Sadly, i was too cold on the tour boat that I eventually went inside and of course it decides to pour literally right when we get off the plank. But, walking around the city was so fun and I got plenty of pictures!

Went to a haunted house in a bunker on Sunday! I don't suggest going in groups and being in the back. Safety hazard! Sarah and I got back duty of a surprisingly large group  and when they all back up, watch out! The kids in front designated their poor mother as the scouter and she was going through all the rooms yet she wasn´t scared until she came back and the scarer ran out at all of us. That clever person.

Monday, Sarah and I went to Sky's hosts house and enjoyed some nice time hanging out and watching a movie and some videos which was so amazing to do. We heard all the fireworks and horns as well that we learned celebrates a goal for Germany during the world cup. Maybe it´s whenever they play but it´s still quite amazing.

Tuesday, we went to a maximum security prison and goodness me it was secure. Not secure enought to be known for taking peoploe off the streets to replace escaped prisoners. Only slightly worrying.

Wednesday, we traveled to Potsdam and split up for food and we finally got some sushi! So delicious i swear. We then walked through paths on a royal ground on our way to a tour of a place in which we saw wonderfull artwork. We all chuckled at the sudden pop art at the end of the tour. Sadly I have no pictures of the inside because €3 is stingy. 

Today we are viewing the inside of the olympic stadium. Tomorrow is a bar-b-que at school. and we have a game on saturday! 

It really feels like there's no amount of time that could suffice for how much information and fun that there is to have. In the first week of being in germany there were already three huge events and that just feels so odd almost as if it's casual which is the most far out thing to think that grand festivals become a weekly casual thing; my host and  I were walking to a park and out of no where thers's a festival down a walk way where people ride bikes and go jogging and they're casually going through as if it's an everyday thing and completely ignoring it (candy land ). Döner was just about the best german food experience I've had, biting into it was like jumping into a river and jumping through to a whole new world underneath. Tchüss.

Soccer Fever

Going to Brandenburger Tor to see Germany play Portugal was pretty awesome. There was a huge screen where thousands of people gather to see the game. I knew Germans were into soccer but when I got there I was in shock. They go crazy just waiting for the game to start. For some reason I thought everyone was going to be drinking out a beer stein but they were just drinking out a platic cup. ( Im a little disappointed ). I also thought you could just walk in and watch the game but they had a lot of security every where. Every time Germany scored everyone would jump, scream, huge stranger and drink. After the game was over I expected everyone to go home but they just went out to the streets to celebrate. Cars were hunking, people were just dancing in the middle of the streets. It was really crazy I have never seen people like this back in America. Also I was surprise to see people in the u-bahn still celebrating, it was also a little scary because they were jumping and I thought the u-bahn was going to break or something. They were also hitting the roof of the u-bahn.We have 3 days left untill we leave Germany and it better keep treating me well!

The germans sure do know how to celebrate a win. I knew Germany was a soccer crazed nation, but I didnt expect it as how I experienced it. The best term I can use to describe the German's soccer fever is that they get "turnt up"! As in they go crazy for every little thing that goes down in the game. At the very last goal scored by Thomas Müller, there was clothing, beer, and trash being thrown every every where as celebration. There really wasnt a reason for security to be there. Since that moment I knew that Germans take their pride exteremly serious. Before coming to Germany I wasnt verz interested in soccer. Id watch it with my family or go to my brother's game to support and become interested into the sport. Id watch the world cup whenever it was on but never really cared or payed attention until now. So Germany changed my interest in soccer from really low to pretty high now. And now we only have three days left in Germany not including today. This week has gone by way too fast so I'm hoping later in the future I'll be able to come back.

Fried Chicken and a Haunted Bunker

I think of everything that has happened so far, my favorite experience I've had was this Sunday. Rosa, Vivi, Cici, and I visited an old World War II bunker that had been turned into a haunted museum type thing.There were three different levels to the museum, the 'Chamber of Horrors'. That was my favorite. It truly wasn't that fantastic, but considering I've gone to a haunted house all of never, it was pretty enjoyable. There just aren't that many haunted houses in Springdale. Not that I know of at least. Anyways, when we first got there, Rosa and Vivi were freaking out some while Cici and I admired the creepy masks they had on the wall. We had to go up stairs before entering the main attraction. Of course, once we were there, we had the long argument about who gets to open the door. Another group, a woman and a handful of boys, had joined us by the time I called everyone babies and opened the door myself. They should think that through better. The one who opens the door gets stuck on door duty and therefore go in last. So naturally, I took up the last place in the group to watch for anyone behind us. The Germans with us, including the group of boys who had joined us, were already freaking out before anything actually happened, and by the time the first person popped out to scare us, the Germans were freaked out and even Cici was getting a little twitchy. I meanwhile dutifully kept my post in the back, laughing at all of them. Anytime anything remotely scary happened, Rosa would jump ten feet in the air and land on Cici, who was right behind her, using her massive bag as a cushion. I laughed and I am not sorry. I love Rosa. She's just fantastic. The second floor wasn't scary per say, rather it was creepy instead. The girls were still jumpy but Cici and I were enjoying the wonderful exhibits on medieval torture techniques and other medical wonders of the 16th century. The exhibits had rather well done automans that moved. The one from the exhibit on people in comas being mistaken for the dead was probably my favorite. He rose up out of his coffin and laughed at us before laying back down again. Nice to make his day. Of course, we knew that there were air blowers in that area to scary those still jumpy from the 'Chamber of Horrors'. Cici and I knew right away when Rosa and Vivi fell for the first one, despite being in a different room. Cici fell for the same one later on, screaming like a little girl when it blew air on her neck. Music to my ears. The one that I fell for, I just turned and laughed at it.... Maybe there's a reason I don't go to haunted houses very often, other than the fact that we have none. The final story was a museum for the bunker itself, sharing plenty of information about the bunker and when it was in use. It was pretty interesting and the big empty rooms echoed when we talked. Cici and I finished before Rosa and Vivi did, so naturally, being the true five year olds we are, we played around  in the echoing rooms attacking each other and just being a bother in general. It's okay though. It was just us there so we didn't bother anyone not used to our shenanigans. This was just something Cici and I mentioned we wanted to do, but I did have fun.

Right after this, Rosa and I went home and I made dinner for my host family. Now, since coming to Germany, I have eaten very healthy. A good breakfast, fruit everyday and more water than I've had in a long while. I believe the worst thing I've eaten while here (not including the fried chicken), was when we went to McDonalds and we got some chicken. Both times they were fantastic and tasted much much better than the chicken in America. That being said, fried chicken is a HUGE change to the German diet. Just making the chicken alone took an entire bottle of sunflower oil to cook. That's a lot of fudgin' grease. The whole meal consisted of fried chicken, mac & cheese, mashed potatoes and white gravy, and apple pie, the most Southern American thing I could think of. I wanted to make something for them, kind of as a thank you for letting me stay in their home, but I also wanted to show them some of what America is really like since they've been showing me what Germany is like. Since I'm a foody myself and cook quite a lot, it only made sense to cook for them one night. Also, as a foody, I've noticed huge differences between German and American food. Namely that German food is actually real. They use reall strawberries in their jelly, they whole wheat is real whole wheat, they eat fruit and vegatables that haven't be sprayed with ten different kinds of pestisides and processed. Everything tastes so much better here because it's real. They have fruit stands everywhere, even in the subways. There is a strawberry stand in almost every subway station I have been to, and the strawberries taste fantastic. Certain things are much cheaper here too! For example, if you want to buy a can of nuts, it doesn't cost that much. Even hazelnuts. They have hazelnut flavored things everywhere and if I wanted to buy some hazelnuts, I could without it costing me an arm and a leg. Things are also smaller here. I put a peach in my pocket and it fit in there easily. I couldn't do that with American peaches because they're all so big. And usually not that good. Good produce is hard to find in America, much less good produce for a good price. Here though, bad produce is hard to find and it's all cheap too! It's so much easier to be healthy here than it is in America. Even things like peanut butter is better here. It's much richer and creamier. I like it so much more than American peanut butter. When we were buying meat for the chicken, we had to get more packages because each package only had two or three breasts in them and they were all fairly small because they hadn't been pumped up with loads of chemicals and hormones. They tasted much, much better than chicken I would buy in America. The meal went over wonderfully and they ate almost all of the fried chicken. I had brought over some instant packages of white gravy as well and Rosa mentioned how much she liked it. They decended on the apple pie like starving vultures and I'm honestly surprised it survived to see the light of the next morning. It was gone after that though. It was very interesting to see the differences between a German meal and an American meal though. And I think making a meal like fried chicken after eating very healthy for the last several days really showed that off. Granted, fried chicken isn't something that we eat everyday (much less make it from scratch)  but we do eat it a lot and eat a lot of things like it. It's interesting to see the huge differences between the cultures, just through food.

Too little for title

Berlin is treating me well. It's almost the end of this trip and the expectations I had are still changing. I knew Germans got crazy during soccer games but on Monday I was amazed on how they celebrated each goal. Obviously after the first goal I cheered along. We screamed, heard fireworks, hug each other, jumped and even whistled as loud as we could and let me tell you, it was an amazing feeling doing that with my German family. I can't wait until I go to the public veiwing and share the joy and exciement with other Germans.Yesterday was a really amusing tour. I went home and told my family abour it and they were fascinated with it just like I was. My weekend was actually really fun and relaxing. On Saturday we went to the beach. As I suspected, there was naked people running in and out of the ice cold water. The majority was litle kids but still kinda new to me. As many may know, my birthday was on Sunday. I woke up to a strawberry birthday cake and gift from her grandma. Also her dad shook my hand and just said ''Birthday! Birthday!'' so I just replied with a thank you. haha. Nadine surprised me by taking me to the zoo then shopping. I got a call by my family which was very special due to a news I got but it is what it is people. Anyways, I expect the rest of the week to go by fast and I really don't want it to go by fast.

One Week Down, One to Go

     Now having fully completed one full week in Germany, sunday to sunday, I can confidently say my opinion of Berlin has changed. A full week has given me so many different aspects of Germany. School is still like a wild jungle for me, but the more I spend with Berliners, the more I come to respect them. They are very friendly and love to host and care for people. I will miss them when we depart for America soon. However, my week this week has been just as eventful as last week. Monday, my host family and I, went to the phone tower (pretty much a small Eiffel Tower) to see all, ALL, of Berlin. It was so beatiful up there! The whole city of Berlin seemed to be alive from our vantage point. Getting to see all of the sights we saw the previous week, all at once, was really cool. Gave me a good perspective on how large the city really is ,but also a chance to see past the city, towards the forest that surrounds Berlin. I didn't even know that a forest was around Berlin. It was fascinating! As for any other surprising Berlin norms, I haven't noticed any. Going to the beach over the weekend did open my eyes to some naked people, but I already knew that Germany, Europe in general, is more open towards that issue. Overall, this experience has been like nothing I've ever done before! I've loved every second of it, and will continue too until we leave on sunday afternoon.

Berlin has been confusing with the culture differences and trying to do things like back home don't really work out the way I want it to. Asking for water here is different than back home, sparkling water is very popular and accessible at just about every corner so instead of  regular water when you simply ask for water you get carbonated water. Their school is far more lay back, when teachers are sick they're completely excused for that class period and are only obligated to attend the next class with a healthy teacher. flying was a bit terrifying at first but once in the air it was just nauseating for the longest time. I've never known the cost of living for big cities but $900 a month for a simple one bath apartment is completely out of my spectrum; this really discourges me from living in any heavily populated city. So far berlin has been a great place to live and the culture is overall very cheerful and friendly as any culture should be. I'm very greatful for everything that has come to me, aufwedersehen!

expectations

My expectations have pretty much been met, there are a couple things I didn't expect.  Something I wasn't expecting was how young they start smoking here.  Something else is that from some people I've seen, they get mad pretty quickly.  I also wasn't expecting how much germans love their soccer and how hiped up they get about the game.  Overall the trip has been amazing and super fun and I wish was longer than a couple of weeks.

blog 3

I have become increasingly unsociable (thank you Sky for the correction) over the course of the last 4 days. I do not know if this is due to for the most part not doing much while here or some other factor but, it is clearly affecting me. I crank up the music, attempt to avoid conversation, and sit outside for long periods of time instead of reading, drawing, watching tv, or playing Mario kart with my host family. I have become more impatient and I also seem to be becoming more disheveled, although I suspect that is because I didn't bring a razor and lack of sleep, but, I am enjoying myself on the trip nonetheless. Today we are going to Memorial Hohenschön-hausen (East German security service prison). I expect to learn some interesting things and perhaps rehash some things I had forgotten but, Cold War era history is not my forte. WWII is more along my line of historical knowledge.

blog continued:
The prison was interesting. Afterwards Cici, Sarah, Sky, and I had a conversation about things that were hilariously funny but cannot be named because I can't remember what they were. Afterwards Sky and I talked about stuff then I got ice cream. I'm not feeling unsociable anymore.

side note: apparently it rained today

Germany has been amazing!

The first week in Germany has ended and its been the best way to kick off the summer of 2014! The city is so much more different and bigger than I expected. Like I knew the city was big but this is much more than I thought. I love how the city is practilly inside a forest. Waking to the birds chirping is something I can get use too. Since I sleep in the cellar right by the garden its an every day thing now and I wish that could happen in Springdale. My host family are the sweetest family Ive ever meet. The father and I really get along and normally tend to go out for a drive and just talk and try to understand each other as we both speak different languages and teach each other different words. He also loves to cook, so they have fed me so many different german dishes and I think the food is what is making me want to stay forever! I have tried Döner four times and each time I have been with somebody trying it for their first time. Their face when they take a bite out of it tells it all. It's so good! Like why can't we have this at home and eat it every day since it's apparently the healthiest fast food in Germany? And apparently Germans don't like spicy stuff, so when I put some hot sauce on my Schnitzel it was considered risky! But being a hispanic I'm used to eating spicy food and hot sauce on a daily basis, the Germans think I'm a risk taker, which is funny cuz it's not so hot to me. I still can't believe we've only been here for a week knowing we have one left! All that's left to do is enjoy our last week stay in Berlin!

Country Pride

GOALLLLLLL!!!!!!!

Yesterday was an exciting day. Germany vs. Portugal. Almost all of Berlin, and the rest of Germany, got around big screens and celebrated together. For what? Soccer! 

I wasn't a person to pay much attention to soccer, but after the World Cup started here, I've become obsessed basically. It's gonna be hard for me if Brazil and Germany go against each other because I'm a pretty big fan of Brazil. Haha. 

The point here, is that I love Germany's pride as a country. The way they get together and cheer on from afar together is amazing. In America, we have Football, but it isn't that big anymore and personally I don't like it. I didn't even know the USA had a soccer team.... oops. But, I'm not hte only one because the USA team isn't well known to Americans it seems because I hardly hear anything about it.

LET'S GO WORLD CUP!!!!!!!!!!!

Sky's Berlin Post 1

Any ideas I've ever heard about Germans being incredibly formal... turn out to be true. I thought that was only an exaggeration, but sure enough, there is a defined protocol here. It's not acceptable to wear sweatpants to any kind of restaurant or diner, no matter how informal. And at gatherings, even among family, Germans greet people and say goodbye to people with a handshake. Contrary to my previously held belief, Berlin is very green. People plant flowers everywhere, and there are trees upon trees. They are as energy efficient as I ever imagined; all the water appliances are low-flow, they hang clothes out to dry instead of using dryers, and they actually open their windows instead of using air-conditioning. Everyday, I learn something new here.

In the past few days, I've learned a bit about about teenager life which is naturally different compared to an Americans, but one difference has stuck with a few of us I believe. The way they go to places, say a party or something. If they can't get into something or go to a certain place, they seem not to have plans to fall back on, like a Plan B. They simply just go back home. Maybe it's because they use public transportation and it's easier to move around freely, but in America, if friends have plans that fall through, they always  find something to do, like watching a movie. Perhaps that's simply just because gas isn't cheap and it's a waste of time to go somewhere and not be able to do something.

Aside from that, traffic is different. They don't have speed limits or signs around, but everyone seems to just know what speed to go and when to stop on the street for a passing car.

 When it comes to sports, they seem to be WAYYYYYY more into their country/team than America. We have Football and everyone kinda goes crazy, but for soccer they all go and meet up in a place with large amounts of people and cheer on their team on big screens. It's such great spirit. 

My nonexistent expectations have been blown! It´s a lot more green and bigger then I would have thought and they have more smart cars then the US. It is more beautiful then Springdale in every way and I would move here in a second. I prefer the trains and bus transportations over the crowded streets with crazy people. The school is also a lot smaller then I thought. It´s so quick to move around and get to classes while still having a slight break. There were so many buildings and in my mind I guess I supersized all the buildings and expected a much bigger campus. There is nonestop food!I swear I have probably put on a few pounds with all the extra meals. I would have thought they would be healthier with how skinny they all are. The Germans are also more lively then us and take us everywhere. This trip is so crazy and tiring but I am enjoying it so much! Give me more Germany!

First Week In Berlin (:

This first week in Berlin has been amazing!! We have been to many beautiful places. I expected to have a serious host family but actually they are very funny and super nice. They are always checking on me making sure I don't anything they want me to feel like I'm back home. When Marie told me that they lived in an apartment I thought it was going to be small becuase theirs only 3 of them but when I got here And I saw it I was surprise to see that it was pretty big. I always thought Berlin had skyscrapers but there's none here which I was a little disssapointed. I was kinda right when it came down to teens been crazy when it comes to partying in the city. Marie and Vivi took me and Cici to the Carnival of Cultures, I was in shock when I got there. Everyone was drinking, smoking and dancing the whole street was full with people and trash everywhere. There was piles of beers on the streets I mean hundreds of them everywhere! I mean when they party they go crazy but it's not like they party everyday everything has a limit. Many people were dressed a little strange and other berly had any clothes on. Some girls were just wearing a top, shoes and underwear. I feel like everyone here is more confident specially women they wear clothes that reveals to much skin. When I went to the lake I saw older women wearing bikis which is strange because I never seen that in America. I also thought that I was going to walk everywhere but we used the bus and subways to get to our destination. A big surprise was to see that a lot of people ride their bikes to pretty much anywhere and that Berlin is very green. They recycle everything and when I say everything I mean everything they are very environmental. I was expecting their school to bee a little bigger but it's kinda small and their school has grades 5th to 12th (or 13 I don't remember) which is a little odd. They have no AC so when it's hot the whole school gets very hot you see everyone sweating  I think it was on Friday when they had to cancel 6th period because the weather was so hot so everyone got to leave early. I found it interesting to see teachers wearing casual clothes to school some teachers even had tattoos which in America it's not "professional" to show their tattoos. At first I thought the teachers were students because they blend very good as students. I always imagine German teachers to be mean and strict but went I went to class I found the opposite. They are nice (most of them)  when I went to class everyone was doing their own thing the students were talking, playing and using their phones but the teacher was just teaching but only a few students were paying attention (more like one student). The school doesn't really have a dressing code which I find very nice because they don't have to worry about what to wear. I was surprise to see that Germans are into soccer every where you go you'll see flags on cars or hanging from windows, even Marie's family has a chart in their living room with the games and time they are going to start. I can't wait till tomorrow to see how Germans celebrate when Germany plays Portugal if they go crazy just preparing for the game I can't imagine what they will do if Germany wins. We still have a week and I'm so excited to get to know more of Berlin!

Very different

I wasn't sure what I would find when I came to Germany but it wasn't it. Everyone here is extremely nice and helpful, especially when they realize that I don't speak German very well. My family is fantastic and very nice. My room is very nice as well, and I'm enjoying my stay. They eat a lot in the morning and, as someone who hasn't had a big breakfast for most of my life, that's different. Since I've been here, we've visited two different pools, something else I wasn't expecting. I never expected there to be so many different places to go swimming in Berlin. Nor did I think that, even though they have a lake nearby, they don't actually use it. That's a little strange to me. It's also much greener and more spread out than I thought it would be. I've been to big cities in the past where you can usually walk most places you want to go and it's not that big a problem. But here, in Berlin, you can't really do that without your feet falling off. We use the metro and the bus more than we walk. So far at least. The school wasn't what I expected either. I knew that they had shorter days than we do in America and that they had different classes everyday, so that's not very different. I had expected the campus to be smaller though. Of all the of the German exchange students I've had, they all agreed that Har-Ber high was a much larger school than theirs. While they weren't wrong, I had expected something significantly smaller. Instead it's rather large and spacious, much more like a college campus than just one large building like Harber. I like it. It's a little strange not to change rooms between each classes and to have more than one period for each class but it's not that unexpected. It's just a little different than what I'm used to. One thing I also did not expect was that Rosa, the girl I am staying with, bikes to school everyday. I haven't ridden a bike since I was twelve. That was a little intimidating the first time and I will admit that I am not very good at it. Bad even. Fortunately, due to all the trips we've been taking after school, we've used the bus most days so we don't have to go back to the school to get the bikes. I'm very very happy about this. I think in total, I'll only have to bike to school a few days. I am SO okay  with this.

I'm enjoying the tours and trips as well, both with the group and on our own. We've been to several different museums already and just yesterday we went to Dresden for the day. We took a bus for two hours and forty minutes and it didn't rain. We walked around for a little bit after buying a ticket for a boat tour and it was raining. We went to a huge museum with a large park type place in the middle, something that was absolutely amazing. The entire place was covered with beautiful statues and fountains. I only wish that it hadn't been so cloudy so that I could have gotten some better pictures. We also went to the art museum that was inside of the area. I got to see several different  Renaissance paintings, including Raphael's angels. I really enjoyed being able to see those. The entire time we were in the art museum, it didn't rain but right after leaving the area, it started pouring. We finally managed to make it to the boat after the rain had died down some and all during the boat tour it didn't rain. Admittedly, I didn't think the boat tour was very good. There was some things worth sightseeing but it wasn't the best, especially on a rainy dreary day like it was. And then as we got off the boat, it started pouring again, right up until we managed to reach the shopping area where there was awnings to keep the rain off of us. And lucky me (and a most of the others for that matter) didn't have our umbrellas with us. At least I was wearing my rain jacket. I did enjoy Dresden despite Mother Nature turding on us. Just the area we were in was so old, with so many large buildings with amazing architecture. If I come back to Germany again, I would like to visit Dresden again as well. I would liked to have seen more of it.

Today, Rosa, Vivi, Cici, and I visited a haunted bunker. That was fantastic, though surprisingly short. There was a museum under the 'Chamber of Horrors' that provided some interesting information about medicine during the middle ages as well as about the bunker itself. (Though I think the best part about the whole thing was watching everyone freak out, especially Rosa and Vivi.) I'm looking forward to the rest of this trip.

My trip so far has been awesome.  We've been on some cool tours and trips, I've learned some things that I didn't know about Germany.  The traffic lights here are a little bit confusing at first, they work a little bit different.  The people that I've met are a lot nicer then I expected.
My host family has been great and they've been really nice.  I'm always being checked on and they make sure I have what I need.  Me and my exchange partner stayed at his dads for a couple of days and that was really fun.  David May have got me stuck on playing league of legends.
All the tours and other things have been really fun too.  I'm learning a lot about the history of Germany.  I can't believe that the trip is almost over, it's gone by so quick.  I wish I had more time to spend around here, but I'm glad I have the time that I have.

My expectation and experience (:

   I love Germany. Berlin reminds me so much of my homecity in Mexico. Mostly because of the transportation available here is available in my city. So in a way I'm use to the transportation and the chaos that goes around this huge city.
   Although almost everything looks familiar to me, I'm not really use to this exposure of skin shown throughout the city. To be completely honest, sometimes I have the urge to donate my little clothes I have to them. I just don't know how they do it! When I got here I expected Germans to be serious at all times and all. Ha, wrong. I smile at them and instead of getting dirty looks I get a smirk. Which if you knew me well enough, makes my days.
  When I first arrived I was scared of doing something wrong so when we ate dinner the first night I carefully watched my host family eat so I followed there steps. I'm quite picky on my foods and stuff but man I'm falling in love with the German food! I actually practice my Germna with Nadine's father because he isn't a great speaker. I actually expected Nadine's house to be big and pretty but i was let down. it's very small. Well for me at least because well ya already know my Mexican lifestyle haha.
   Now let's go to the schools. In all honesty they just look like big houses scattered around closely. Don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful place. I quickly became friends with some of Nadine's classmates which is nice because now I don't just go in and just stare around the classroom. Something that really got my attention was the way the class was flowing. I noticed that the students in her class mostly do this own thing while the teacher is talking and the teachers don't make much of an effort to get the teachers attention. Which to me is surprising because in Springdale the teachers would've put you on the spot and make you stay silent and listen to them teach. Also their keyboards are extremely weird like how can they type?! Now, don't get me started with their cafeteria. It's extremely small! No wonder they don't have lunch like we do, the students would've fit!
  How is it possible that I haven't witnessed a car accident yet. The drivers in Berlin don't really care about their surroundings much. Seems like they just drive and drive until they have reached their destination. I guess if I lived here I would've done the same thing. All the torus and stuff that we have attended have been so interesting to me. The concentration camp was kinda a let down because I had pictures something bigger in my mind but hey, it is what it is.  Also the Berlin Wall, what a shame. it was the size of a house wall. I was bummed when I saw it because I imagined it as big as the china wall! But I guess not, I guess it's okay thou. I got to say though, the bike tour was probably my best experience so far. I actually ran into a tree while trying to pass someone after they fell. Karma got me good there. After that experience, Sandra and I started cracking up because in the airport of London I was going down the escalator right? Well my shoe happens to be untied and it got stuck so I fell and I did nothing but just stay there until a strange Brazilian man helped me pull it out. Thank God for that Brazilian man.
  I'm actually have plans this weekend. I'm going to visit the sea, meet Nadine's mum for the first time and celebrate for my 17th birthday! I feel so lucky spending my birthday on the other side of the world. I'm not gonna lie, I wish my family were here spending it with me. I've already recieved my first birthday gift from my German family and let me tell y'all. IT WAS AMAZINGLY AWESOME! Berlin, please blow me with more unforgettable experience!

Expectation vs. Reality

The flight here, at first I was a bit nervous but then it was rather exciting after the take off. I find landing on planes to be fun. 

Landing in Berlin and seeing old friends was the best feeling. It was hot and we might have been tired in London and on the plane, but as soon as we got through the check and got out luggages, it was an excited greeting time. Meeting Sarah again and her parents for the first time, I was a bit nervous at first, but they were extremely welcoming. 

As the days have passed, I am amazed by all the things they do in a day.  Walking and taking public transportation is something that we cannot do in Arkansas. I'm rather jealous as I have come to enjoy this easier way of trransportation. For the houses, I always assumed they were short and small. To my surprise, Sarah's house is several floors with two-three rooms on each floor. It's cute and I want to take a miny German house home with me now. Haha. 

As for the traffic, yeah that was a HUGE surprise. With the way they drive you would assume that there would be many accidents but there really isn't. Atleast from what I have seen (which is none). 

School is better. A lot better. I like their school system and it makes since. Now, only if America would follow it. I wish the students would try to talk to me though. It's difficult when they just stare and you don't know hwat to do. Also, enjoying hte higher height here. 

The people, there are a olot of differences between how we act in Arkansas, compared to here. The times we say sorry are different from one another. They also hug everytime they greet. It was weird at first, especially when you just meet someone, give them a hand shake and when they leave they give you a hug. But now it's just a normal greeting for me. 

As of now, I'm enjoying it. 

Expectation (Very similar to or very different from reality?)

Coming to Germany has definitely been an experience, and many things have broken my expectations of the country as a whole.  There is definitely a lot to go over as far as expectations, so let's get right into it.

For starters, there is a lot of greenery in the city.  There is so much greenery, in fact, that the city is nearly overrun with giant trees and groundcover.  I was really surprised with the sheer scale of the trees here.  Everything in the streets here is bigger than in Arkansas, from the trees to the buildings.  Everything except for the cars are bigger, the cars being so small that a baker's dozen can easily fit on the side of a street.

Overall, the nature here is astounding.  Even farther from the city you can see  great fields of grains near the coast of the Baltic Sea.  This really surprised me because of the preconceived idea of urbanization in Germany that I have taken to believe.  Some of the older buildings even have thick straw roofing in the stead of roofing tiles.

I look forward to seeing even more of Berlin and Germany,  so stay tuned for more updates.  Tschüss!

Blog 2

Alot of things here are as I expected, however, I have not seen police officers with guns out, not did I expect to be moving around in classes. I was led to believe, or perhaps I misunderstood but, I thought that we would be only in one class, aside from sports and music. In a different aspect, I swear drivers here are more like stuntmen, going through red lights and swerving around cars parked on the side of the street. Not to say America has drivers like this but, I see this almost everywhere. I did go to Heide Park yesterday. It's a lot like SDC (Silver Dollar City) but it's German, and has the steepest wooden roller coaster in the world at 61 degrees. Colossos was at one time the largest wooden roller coaster in the world as well. I've had lots of ice cream while I've been here so that's nice.

This is NOT What I Expected.

     Being an American, Europe seemed so foreign and exotic. I have came to the conclusion that this statement is correct. I must say though, Berlin is a beautiful places filled with stylish people. That said, there are some differences no one could have prepared me for.
     Firstly, I assumed cars and the traffic system would be very similar to the United States. False. The cars here are much, MUCH smaller and traffic lights not nearly as big. Drivers are swerving in and out of lanes and doing maneuvers I would never in my life attempt back in the states. Pedestrians are expected to wait for the cars unlike in the US. That was the most drastic swap from the normal US way, for me. Next on my list was the quote-on-quote 'unfriendly' people. I was told germans were not the most amicable people but I've ruled against this. Although not as friendly as the "South", Berliners are averagely neighborly. My first assumption was incorrect, and I'm very happy I was wrong on that one. I have also discovered I was somewhat wrong on another aspect of Berlin. The food. Now I knew german food was good, but that is an understatement. The food here is fantastic! So healthy, fresh and diversified, I will defiantly miss it when I go back to the states. Getting over the basic shock of German culture was strange but I now feel right at home! I'm a train riding, currywurst eating Berliner now.
     Moving on from my adjusted lifestyle, I must talk about school. School in Berlin was probably the biggest twist of this entire experience so far. The size and classrooms were not an issue as much as the students in them. Here I was thinking American students were rowdy. Wrong, wrong, wrong. Some of the boys in the classes I have been in were so disrespectful and boisterous I was in shock. What got me more was that the teachers didn't seem to stop them. That was a complete 360 from what I was use to. The girls were much more attentive during lecture too. Although I've only been in class a few days, I'm still blown away. I'm anxious to see if this changes any during the rest of our stay.
     With lifestyle and school down, only one to go. Basic American luxuries I didn't know I had. Easily my number one is tap water. It seemed so average in America it didn't dawn on me that it would be so odd in Germany. Sparkling water and me just don't mix. Close second is obviously AC. Not in a thousand years did I think I would actually be without AC in a city. It's so strange and makes sleeping much more difficult. All of these changes have been weird for me, some more than others, but all in all I am just grateful to be in Berlin and to experience all of these German quirks of everyday life!

Schon Dienstag!

Wow have we done so much in so few days!  We arrived without incident here on Saturday with all our bag stand everything--really a great flight thank you British Air. Saturday night Steffi and her husband Mark and her daughter Emily and I rode bikes to a Restaurant called "Mar y Sol" which was a tapas place and was really good. Funny That the first Place we go to is the one i Tell my Kids you can't find in Berlin :). Sunday we had big plans. We went to the Olympic Stadium that hitler built for the 1936 olympics in Berlin. There's a swimming Pool there--actually a few swimming Pools. One is huge and the other two are kids Pools. Much like an American Pool only bigger and with only one slide. When it started to get too full we left and Headed Out of Berlin to the Wannsee. It is near potsdam and is really beautiful. It was not like a lake in the US because there were a Lot More People Out having picnics (though it was a Holiday Weekend) and a Lot More Skin showing. Äh Europe...:).  We made a picnic with fresh fruit and veggies that we bought at a stand on the way--we eat so much more fresh Foods here than in the US. After that we went to some Friends of Steffi and Mark. They have a 'Weekend house' that is about 40 min from Berlin. It gives them a Place to go but isnt so far away. They grilled Hamburgers for me and it was really relaxing--much like being with Friends in the US. Monday was also a Holiday here but our group did a biking tour of Berlin.  Our Guide Freddie was From Australia and did a good Job of showing us around and telling some interesting Stories that Even Steffi didnt know. Only one Person had an Accident and that wasnt so Bad. Steffi and i rode our Bikes to and from the tour and because the first, older bike got a flat on the Way there (there's Definitely a longer Story there) i got to Ride Marks nice cannondale which was lovely. Then we Rode Bikes to a real beergarden Restaurant for Dinner and ate Great fresh salads. Today was our first day at School and we were only there Long enough to get a Short tour and then off we went on the bus and sbahn to the Reichstag. We had to go through Security and the best Part was going up into the Dome to Look Down on the City and the Parliament Area-- the Reichstag is the Most Visited government Seat in the World because of the Dome. Really cool. Then i got to walk down the Ku'damm--one of the biggest Shopping streets in Berlin. And then Steffi picked me up and we went Shopping for Dinner. Liver and onions and Sweet Potato mash. Yummy!  It has been a full first few days and im looking forward to actual School tomorrow. If youre wondering about the capitalization of this post sorry--its a German iPad and i can't Figure out how to put the Keyboard to English :)

First Few Days

   Wow. There were a few things I noticed that were different from what was expected: There are trees EVERYWHERE. I was born in Texas, so trees were few and far in between, so I thought it was a lot of trees when I moved to Arkansas. Nope. I was wrong. There isn't a direction you can look in Berlin and not see at least 20 different trees. And, it also seems as though I have 2 host students, as I do a lot of things with Philipp as well as Niels.
   When I first arrived at the airport, I was greeted by both Philipp(his mother) and Niels. We went over to get something to eat; and what's the first thing I eat in Berlin? A Cheese burger from an American Restaurant. Ironic? I think so. I did also notice the streets. I was aware that they had more curves in them in comparison to the USA, but there are a lot. The intersections of the streets appear to have almost no direction to them. After we ate, we went to Niels' house, talked with his family a little as they showed me around. His sister is virtually fluent in English, so if I ever have any issues, I can always talk to her; though, Niels isn't that bad at English either. I fell asleep around 21. and forgetting my alarm was off(being that it was a weekend) slept until 11.20.
   I ate a small breakfast/lunch of bread with Nutella, and left with Philipp's mother to where Philipp was and got a tour around his house. We ate some pizza(they have far more different kinds here than in America, and eat with a little fork thing) and left to a Festival. I'm not sure what it was about, it was kinda small though. A bit after we went to a huge Festival with many different stands and more people than I've ever seen at one time in my life(I also rode in a subway for the first time in my life). We met up with Niels after a bit and we finally went back to their house. I talked with Niels and his sister for a few hours and came down into my room to relax a bit and talk to my family.

Expectations

Wow, leaving to a different continent! I've never been overseas before! Flying's gonna be a bit rough though never been too fond of heights. I'm sure I'll have a great culture shock when I get there for one  the overall population probably won't be as diverse as here for all I know. Teenagers being as free as I've heard seems like a dream having everything so close together and parents not as worried. Their school schedule will freak me out and frustrate me because of my daily routine in my school system. I expect some stereotypes of Americans being fat, arrogant, and love guns to come out the cracks a few times but they'll be totally tolerable. Going to a live soccer Match is amazing, just watching on television the excitement of the fans pulls me into the game even if Mexico or the US isn't playing. Living with Lisa was so natural and fun and I expect the same and more with Lisa again she's been a great and honest friend and very easy going. From what I've heard and seen my view of Europe is that it's very easy going everywhere no matter what I hear it's always great and fun and NOT MANY STANDARDIZED TESTS!!!!! Unlike 'Merica. I expect Germany to be just like candy land, like most trips I won't realize how amazing it actually is until I'm well into it. I hope to have a time to remember and to just have a blast! Tschüss!

Expectation of Germany

I can't believe that time has passed by so fast! Only a few hours left and we'll be off to Germany! Knowing that I've never been on a plane, the ride there will be a long one. I'm excited to finally meet my host family and have them get to know me. It'll be my second time leaving the U.S. but the only differnce about now is the I have to travel overseas instead of driving like when I went to Mexico. I know that these next two weeks will be full of excitement and full of memories! Being able to learn more about the German culture and more about the Germans themselves is what I really look foward too. The whole trip is a big learning experience as well, a better way and much faster way to become more familiar with the language. I am just a foreigner stepping into unknown soil so I expect to get the best out of it and learn! Since I have yet to try German food, I am really curious to finally get a little taste of what Germans taste. I have always loved European architecture as well and knowing that Germany has amazing archtictual cities excites me, so I'm excited to finally get a glimpse of that as well! I'm excited and nervous to finally head off to Germany! Can't wait!

My Expectations

After the long wait, we are finally preparing to fly over to Germany!  I really can't wait.

So... expectations.  I am looking forward to seeing Leon again, as well as meeting his family.  I really hope that this trip is fun and full of opportunity.  I can't wait to see the history riddled within the walls and streets of Berlin.  I really can't wait to try the food in Germany as well.

I am just very excited because this is my first time on an airplane, let alone leaving the country.  I really want to learn all that I can by being immersed in German life, mostly to improve my verbal comprehension of the language.  I don't do very well when hearing German, but I feel I can get through it in order to improve my fluency overall.

I can't wait to experience all of the locations as well.  I look forward to going to the school and to learn a little about the education system.  I am fascinated with the process that they use for educating German students, and I look forward to comparing the U.S. system to it as well.  Although I expect to be stereotyped when I get there, I will do my best to give and get the benefit of the doubt.

Wish us luck!

Expectations

I expect that this trip to germany shall be a fun one. Although I do not expect a stereotypical German since I have already met with a nice unstereotypical group of germans, it doesn't change the fact that Vivi will undoubtedly give me a good time. I already know that she plans on taking me to the lake which is great! I will also be able to visit her at her job at the ice cream shop and indulge in some creamy goodness. Curiosity runs through me when I think about the trips Frau Brazle and Frau Robinson have planned and all I have to say about those is "please don't let me die on the bike tour."

I see a fun trip ahead! Onward on our noble stead with wings (and engine)!

expectation

This will by first time going to a different country and also my first time flying.  This will be a great experience all together.  I am so glad to have had this opportunity and can't wait for it.  I expect to have an amazing time and meet some great people while I'm there.  I know Berlin is an amazing and beautiful place and I can't wait to see some of the historical places.
When we think about Germany we sometimes look at the past and judge them on what they did then.  We sometimes see them as mean people.  We also look at the language and we think they're angry just cause of the way the words are said.  From my experience with the Germans that stayed with us, I think the other Germans will be really nice and fun people.
All together this will be a great first long distance travel.  I also can't wait to try some of the different types of food that they eat.  I expect there to be a lot of meat which I like.  I'm hoping this experience will be really fun and exciting.

Expectations

I cant believe I'll be in Berlin in 3 days! I'm so excited because I never been to Europe or any other part of the world other than Mexico. Everything is going to be so different, everyone is more independent, like they have to find their own mode of transportation since over here pretty much every teenager can drive anywhere. I'm afraid I'm going to forget everything I  learned for the past 3 yrs.

I expect to experience their traditions and cuisine. Like would I get used to their food or will I not like it?, and if do like it would I gain weight? Also I saw on the calendar that we're going to a soccer match(!) Germany vs. Ghana, should expect crazy overwhelming Germans or angry Germans, in case they lose? I mean they look like they're really into soccer and have tremendous faith for Germany in the World Cup. Also we are going to visit concentration camps , I wonder what I would feel? Sad,angry,disappointed,etc? My most desirable experience over there is to visit the Berlin Wall's remains because its just a big part of human history.


  I expect the Germans to stereotype us once we arrive they will probably think we're crazy and outrageous. I cant wait  for their reaction once they know I'm Mexican. Will they treat me different or will I still be the stereotypical "'Merican".  The stereotypical German for us is one that goes partying and drinking so I want to see if its true or not.  Also since they leave school earlier than us I wonder how bizarre it would feel like.

 I cant wait to meet my host family! Its going to weird since Marie is an only child and I have 2 sisters. Also I cant wait to go with Marie horseback riding!

Expectations

    So, I've never made or even read a blog before, meaning I have only a rough outline of how they are to be made, and whether or not they are supposed to be formal, or informal. For sake of simplicity, I'll stick with just saying what's in my mind.
   From what I've seen, heard, and read, Germany is an amazing place in many regards. The cities are beautiful, and in the case of Berlin, bustling with people. I've hardly been a state away from Arkansas, much less over seas. I foresee there to be a huge difference in what I've come to know as my common-place life and that of Berlin, Germany. The food, I know will be amazing. Although stereotypical, I hope for most of the meat, bread, and potatoes for which most places link to Germans. And besides food, there's an abundance of things to see and do.
   The schools will of course be different. The year round thing will be a bit odd to experience, though a nice counter of shorter school days will be refreshing, regardless of the fact I'll only have to deal with it for a few days. I won't lie, I am a bit afraid of actually going to school with the host students. For one big reason: experience in the language. Just as the German students spoke English in America, it only makes since to focus on speaking German in Germany. With that said, my German, in my opinion, is basic at best. 3 years of learning the language won't compare to the 16-18 years they have been learning their own language. I get confused fairly often when speaking to Frau Brazle, who I assume tries to use more simplistic language to enable the understanding of the sentence. Speaking with someone(probably multiple people) who've been learning the language from birth will confuse me far more often. Anyway, I digress. The smaller schools will be a nice change to the nothing but large schools I've attended throughout my life.
   I'm not quite sure if there is any required length to this, and I'm terrible at outros in any case, so I'll end it here. Perhaps edit it later on if it turns out that I did something wrong. If that's a thing. Editing that is.

Expectations

This won't be my first time going to Europe, so I do have some idea of how Europe is as opposed to how Hollywood chooses to represent it. I've only ever been to one country though, one in the Mediterranean, and I know that there can be many differences in two different places, even if it's just a few hours away. This applies to America, and Europe too. That being said, I don't really have many expectations. Mostly I'm just looking forward to seeing the differences in culture, even the little stuff, enjoying the food, and see more of the world. This will be especially fun for me since I've only had one year of German (smart right?). I just hope that my host family understands that I am an ignorant, French speaking American and take pity on me. I'm gonna need it. I'm done getting everything I need so now it's just getting it all together and going. Only two days left and then auf wiedersehen America! LETS DO THIS!

Mariah: German Expectations

     I cannot believe in less than 4 days, I will be on an international flight flying to Berlin! I am beyond ecstatic and ready to immerse myself into the German culture. I have traveled the USA quite a lot in my 18 years but never out of the country. I have seen rifts of photos of Berlin and they are just breathtaking, Germany in general. The German way of life, to me, seems foreign yet familiar. Alien but normal. I mean, I'm assuming they have fast food and movie theaters but I want to explore all of the little quirks that make these places all German. I have a feeling my German host family will show me parts of Berlin I wouldn't normally get to experience, had I come as just an average tourist.  These hidden gems are what I'm most looking forward to during my duration in Berlin!

     Because Germany is thousands of miles away from America, I expect there to be cultural differences. The lack of credit card accessibility in restaurants and shops will be an adjustment but a good one, I think. Taking a break from the modern convinces will only add to the authenticity of the trip! Also, many of the social norms we view as normal in the USA, especially 'the south', will not replicate the same effect as if we were back in America. A friendly smile or an apology after walking into someone will be viewed as odd and unnecessary, which is completely appalling to me! I think the common courtesies will be the most difficult adjustment for me personally. I know there are a thousand other 'German norms' I am not seeing right now but will hopefully learn to accept and appreciate them during my short time as a real German! I am so grateful for this experience and cannot wait to meet Melanie's family! I'm ready for all things German,  expected and unexpected alike. I do hope this experience opens my eyes towards international relations and cultures and provides me with stories and memories for decades to come. See you Saturday Berlin! :)